Sean Longstaff showed at Watford why a Sunderland legend Kevin Phullips was wrong to suggest Newcastle should have sold him over summer.
Newcastle midfielder Longstaff put in a much-lauded performance during in the Magpies' 1-1 draw with the Hornets at Vicarage Road.
As well as scoring a long-range stunner, he bossed the midfield, created chances and had several shots - one of which he should have put away.
Despite the miss, the 23-year-old made the case for why Newcastle kept hold of him over summer, despite pressure from some to cash in.
One of those who suggested Newcastle should sell Longstaff during the transfer window was former Sunderland striker turned pundit Kevin Phillips.
Back when Phillips made his comments it had been rumoured that Longstaff could be sold for as little as £10m to Everton, rejoining former boss Rafa Benitez.
“It’s a lot of money for a player who hasn’t played an awful lot of games,” Phillips told Football Insider in August.
“£10million for Steve Bruce to strengthen another position in the squad – you’d get that deal done.
“Everton seem to be going down that British and English route with players like Andros Townsend and Demerai Gray.
“He’s got that relationship with Benitez as well. If you’re Newcastle – why not let the kid go?“
However, Newcastle declined to sell if an offer was ever made, just as Longstaff had stayed at the club when rumours swirled of interest from Manchester United.
Similarly it had been rumoured that Sean's brother Matty Longstaff could be sold, again causing some alarm among some fans that a local player with such promise could leave
However, just like with Sean, the club did not sell Matty and instead sent him to Aberdeen on a season-long loan.
